Saturday, January 8, 2011

Across the Universe

My Thoughts:
I've been dying to read Across the Universe for so very long, so when I received my package of awesome from Beth Revis (see IMM) I was ecstatic. I devoured the book in about three days (would have read it in one sitting, but I had to go to work).

Beth's writing is wonderful and smart. From the very first lines I was hooked. And boy does she know how to write a page turner! I loved all the plot twists too; they weren't random or just put in to keep the pacing going -- they all connected in the end to give the reader a real understanding of the world of the ship Godspeed and the events that have taken place since its departure from Earth.

Beth also did an excellent job of telling the story from alternating points of view. Sometimes this device turns me off from a story because I can't feel connected enough to the characters, but that is definitely not the case here. Amy and Elder contrast and complement each other so well that the alternating view points give the reader a greater understanding of both characters. Both characters are interesting and you really want them to figure out what is happening on the ship and who is responsible.

I am so happy that this is going to be a trilogy and I don't have to let go of Amy and Elder here. That being said, Beth did an excellent job of creating a first novel that can stand on its own and isn't simply an opener for numerous other books to follow.

And of course, I have to say a little something about the cover and design of this book. The cover is absolutely beautiful and I love that it's going to be reversible with a schematic of the ship on the other side. Although I did receive an ARC (thank you thank you Beth and Razorbill) I will most certainly buy a finished copy because how can I resist a reversible cover? Plus Razorbill has created some beautiful collateral for the book: book marks, pins, postcards, stickers, and those awesome water bottles Beth is giving away on her blog.

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About Me

I recently completede my Master's in Publishing from Portland State University where I studied all things publishing and YA. I've recently rediscovered YA lit and have become obsessed with everything that's going in YA right now. Hopefully one day (likely many, many years from now) I will open my own publishing company devoted to Young Adult and Children's books, but for now I will be reading and writing about YA and whatever else strikes my fancy.

Reviewers, Authors, Publishers, etc

If you would like to have An Abundance of Books review a book, host a giveaway, or do an interview, please contact me at sarahschmalzer@gmail.com. Please note I accept ARCs and published books, but not unpublished manuscripts or self-published works. Thank you for your interest in An Abundance of Books!